The Dreamer's Blood

Chapter 10: Close Call

Chapter 10: Close Call

"Directly following the splitting of the stone and the banishment of San'wor and his followers, the once unified and harmonious citizens of Arsian scattered and formed their own kingdoms. Wickedness and deception swept across the land as San'wor and his minions, now called the San'qui, poisoned the souls of the people. King Leon left the once prosperous land with his knights and closest friends. They traveled across the Sea of Kalahed to a place called Auraell. His knights became known as the Geldire and they continued to look after and protect the people of Arsian along with King Leon. The people divided into six kingdoms: Estile, Jerish, Trell, Seare, Rondon, and Tal'quev. Some of the nations stayed loyal to Leon and others strayed."

"And what about the stone?" Bree asked. Our eyes were fused to Lord Erathorn as he described the events in great detail.

"King Leon left the half in his palace. When the city was burned down by enemies, trusted knights hid it until Willden was built. Then it came here."

I thought for a moment. "Why didn't Leon take it with him?"

"The stone was created from the land and must remain in it. It cannot be carried outside of Arsian."

"So what about San'wor's half?" I asked.

"He left his in an eastern kingdom now known as Tal'quev. We believe it to be in the capital city, Sarken Quath."

"So King Leon, how is he still alive? And the Geldire?"

"King Leon is timeless," Lord Erathorn explained. "He, his knights, San'wor, and his demons are all destined to live for eternity. We would be too, if the stone was not broken in half." Then he leaned in and said in a quiet voice, "It is said the separation of the Cielven Stone also affected the Earthen Realm in some way. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?" The three of us looked at each other.

"Well . . . we're definitely not immortal," Skip laughed. "If that's what you're asking."

"Is story time over now?" Vlent sighed and stretched his arms. Until now, I had completely forgotten he was here.

"But we still don't know anything about this war," Bree reminded us.

"Oh yes," Eane spoke up. "Tal'quev and the kingdom of Rondon are old allies since the time of the Great Purge. Both nations follow San'wor and live in darkness and evil. There has been rumor that they are raising an army of men and demons, but now we know it to be true." Vlent sighed again and rose from the table. I watched him leave the hall and close the door with a loud thud.

So we've really arrived here in the middle of war preparations? Just our luck.

All the talk of war, evil, and the stone was enough to make my head spin.

And what does it all have to do with me? Am I supposed to lead them in battle?

The thought was simply preposterous. Didn't they have their own soldiers, their own generals? What did they want from a random high school kid? I realized too late that I had thought out-loud. Lord Erathorn was staring at me, silent. After a moment, he stood up.

"Come with me," he said. I looked to Skip who simply shrugged.

Here we go again. Another trek through the castle.

We all rose from the diamond shaped table and followed Lord Erathron who walked across the long hall to the enormous fireplace. He surveyed the stones surrounding the crackling fire a moment then put out his hand and placed it on a smaller one near the top. The stone moved inward at his push like a button. I looked on in surprise as he moved his hand down to three more stones, pushing them in a pattern. When he had completed the code, he pulled his arm away and we watched as the entire fireplace slid to the side along the wall, revealing a hidden doorway.